Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of an Exercise-Based Patient Education Programme in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study. (16th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lutz, Christina; Kersten, Stephanie; Haas, Christian T.
• Other Names: Bertolotto Antonio Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Multiple sclerosis international. Volume 2017(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-08-16
• Subjects: Multiple sclerosis -- Periodicals; 616.834005
• DOI: 10.1155/2017/2826532
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-2654

Abstract

Abstract : Background. Although people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) benefit from physical exercise, they still show reduced physical activity and exercise behaviour. This study aimed to investigate short- and long-term effects of an exercise-based patient education programme (ePEP) that focuses on empowering pwMS to a sustainable and self-regulated exercise training management. Methods. Fourteen pwMS were randomly assigned to immediate experimental group (EG-I:n = 8 ) and waitlist-control group (EG-W:n = 6 ) and attended biweekly in a six-week ePEP. All participants were measured for walking ability, quality of life, fatigue, and self-efficacy towards physical exercise before and after the ePEP, after 12 weeks, and one year after baseline. Short-term effects were analysed in a randomised control trial and long-term effects of all ePEP participants (EG-I + EG-W = EG-all) in a quasi-experimental design. Results. Only functional gait significantly improved in EG-I compared to EG-W (p = 0.008, r = - 0.67 ). Moderate to large effects were found in EG-all for walking ability. Not significant, however, relevant changes were detected for quality of life and fatigue. Self-efficacy showed no changes. Conclusion. The ePEP seems to be a feasible option to empower pwMS to a self-regulated and sustainable exercise training management shown in long-term walking improvements.